Viano Vineyard, Martinez

What a beautiful morning to paint an idyllic vineyard scene.  I made a sketch with markers.   It was about all today's strength could muster.  I plan to go back  to do an actual painting.


Jean Womack

Painting in Point Richmond

Karen working with acrylics

Iris set up her umbrella

Margo painting

Carol Sutton took these photos of some of us painting on Crest Ave in Point Richmond last Monday. It was a warm and clear -- a perfect day.  A flock of very large wild turkeys entertained us. It was hard to believe it was November.  

Monday Locations

The Monday Coordinating Committe have chosen the locations for November and December.  Next week we will go back to Crest Ave.  The following Monday we will go  to a new location at Viano Winery in Martinez. Thanks go to Iris for calling and making a reservation for us.   The locations will also be posted on the page on the blog called Monday locations.  But remember they can sometimes be changed due to weather or if we decide to go back to a certain location again.  As long as you are subscribed to the listserve you will get a notice each weekend confirming the location and giving directions.   We will take a two week break at the end of December because our painting day falls on Christmas and New Years eve but will resume in January.  So if you have any suggestions for locations for the new year please let us know.         Karen

November
12      Crest Ave.  Point Richmond      Betsy
19      Viano Vineyard  Martinez         Karen
26      Tormey                                      Karen
December
3            Tormey                                  Betsy
10          Piedmont Park                       Linda
17          Albany Bulb                           Carol


           

Port of Oakland

Dear painters, 

We'll meet this Saturday November 10 at 9:00 AM at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland. This park has great views of Treasure Island and of ships coming, going and getting loaded. There is a two-story observation deck that offers shade, protection from the wind, bathrooms and water. Also ample parking. Here is a link to something I painted while on that observation deck a couple of years ago. 

Directions: From 80, go south until you hit the 580/880 fork. Stay to your right to get to 880. Take the very first exit off 880, which is the West Grand Ave/7th exit. Pass Maritime St, then the road curves to the left, to Middle Harbor Rd Park. Stay on the road (don't turn right onto 7th), make a right at the park's south entrance, and you will see the USS Oakland's Mast in the center of the circle. Stop for a second so you can locate the entrance to the smaller parking lot to the left of the mast, which is where we'll meet. 

Click here for information and scroll all the way down for a map of the park. Dress warmly, bring your cell phone, and come prepared for the wind.  Rebeca

Painting in Point Richmond

We looked forward to the great views on the top of Crest Ave in Point Richmond but the fog never lifted.  But if didn't deter us.  Amy Wolf sent this jpeg of the painting she did. You get a good feel of what the fog was like.  It is done in oil on canvas.   We will go there again next week.

Karen

Alameda

We will meet again this Saturday in Alameda, at 9:00 AM to avoid traffic to that area. We'll be at the spot we found two weeks ago:  Use this link to see a map of the area.

Directions: Take highway 880 towards Oakland. Get off at the 23rd Ave exit and follow any signs to Alameda. 23rd Ave turns into 29th Avenue.  Take the Alameda Cross the 29th St bridge and make a right on Blanding St. You will see a Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts on Blanding. At Oak, make another right and enter the small parking lot across from the Little House Cafe. Go straight into the direction of the water and park on any available space. There are views of some old warehouses, of Jingletown across the water, of the marina nearby and of the green 29th St drawbridge.

Please reply to this message if you think you might be coming. You can always cancel later. Please bring a cell phone. Any cancelations due to rain will be announced here and in the Google Group at least an hour in advance. 

Our old spot in Tormey, with Karen

The summer dryness, with wind, a forgotten California. 30" x 40." Finally got around to photographing it. If you look in the other direction, behind me as I paint, you see the white petroleum storage cylinders on the ridge, and the little houses of the town.

A favorite spot, the end of Schmidt Lane in El Cerrito. Desination, oil on canvas, 30" x 40."
I've done several here. Love the blue rocks on the cliff. I think there are plenty more to do here.

Meekers Slough

We had 10 painters come to the session at Meekers Slough last week.  It was a beautiful day there and this week we will go again. I hope some of you will send jpegs of your work to me and I will post them for you.  We need to set up a time to show you how to do it yourself. Let me know if you are interested.   Karen

Painters at Meekers Slough   acrylic on canvas  20 by 24

Warm Day

Gold Hills   acrlyic on canvas 16 by 20

It was very warm  and bright at Cummings Skyway  when this was painted and my umbrella came in very handy. Karen

A Good Painting Spot

Cumming Skyway     watercolor   9 by 12

Sharon Hind- Smith sent this painting she did of Cummings Skyway.

 We have been going to this spot on and off all year.  For me it is a really good spot.  Althoough it is not the most beautiful spot we have been too it has the rolling hills and the scrubby little trees that I often associate with the California landscape and some very wonderful California landscape paintings. The light is always revealing something different and the colors change with the season. Because there is nothing dramatic or remarkable I have to really work to develop a composition that is effective and that makes me look harder.   There is also access right near the road and it is private so we work undisturbed.  Karen

Summer Day at Lake Temescal

 

Karen Painting   photo by Jean Womack

Jean Womack sent these photos she took on our recent trip to the lake.  She put them through a software program called sketchers to give them a watercolor feel.  I thought they captured the nice day we had there.    Karen

Duck Family                       photo by Jean Womack

Lake Temescal

Summer Day, Lake Temescal    acrylic on canvas 16 x 20

This was my first vistit to this lake. We set up on a boat dock across from the beach in the full sun. There were people on the beach and I played with the shapes and movement. Most of it I had to make up because I could see this scene from where our easels were. ( Even though someone said I must have very good eyes to see that far)  Guess I could have done this in the studio but it is so nice to be painting outside.

Berkeley Rose Garden

We will meet at the Berkeley Rose Garden again on Monday, July 16.  There are many painting choices including the blooming roses of the garden itself and the view of the bay through the trees. There are trees of all shapes, sizes and shades of green.  And also the opportunity to add figures to the landscape. Here is the link to directions and a map;        Rose Garden

Berkeley Rose Garden

We will meet at the Berkeley Rose Garden on Monday, July 9.  There are many painting choices including the blooming roses of the garden itself and the view of the bay through the trees. There are trees of all shapes, sizes and shades of green.  And also the opportunity to add figures to the landscape. Here is the link to directions and a map;

http://www.yelp.com/map/the-berkeley-rose-garden-berkeley

China Camp

Yes, we'll venture off the East Bay this Saturday, to China Camp. This jewel of the peninsula is slated for closure soon, so we will try to go at least two weeks in a row. Bring an umbrella for the sun, there are few shady spots where the views are. Bring drinking water and a cell phone. 


Directions to China Camp:

Take highway 580 or 80 over San Rafael Bridge, then 101 North toward San Rafael. Exit right on N. San Pedro Exit (east) toward China Camp State Park (follow "China Camp State Park" signs). This exit is just before the Civic Center so if you've gotten to the Civic Center you've gone to far. You'll see a 7/11 at a stop sign on the right. Keep going straight. Sunny Oaks Rd is the beginning of the Park. Keep going. Continue on winding road through park. You will pass three paid parking lots on the left hand side...Buckeye Pt, Weber Pt. and Bullhead. 

Continue to China Camp Beach parking lot where we will meet (the one that has the fishing village in it). We may want to paint in the fishing village, or at some point before. There are some beautiful marshes with orange stuff along the way. It is important that if you are going to arrive late, you let us know. Also, don't forget to RSVP.  Click here for more information on China Camp.

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The East Bay Open Studios Starts This Weekend

Support your colleagues by paying a visit. The East Bay Open Studios will take place June 2-3 and 10-11, however, not everyone is showing both weekends. To be sure, check out your friends'

entries in the Pro Arts Online Gallery
There are several members of our group showing. We all hope to see you!

Emeryville Waterfront

Emeryville Waterfront  acrylic on canvas  20 by 30

On our second trip to Emeryville no one showed up.  It had been windy the week before. This time the wind was not as bad and I decided to stay because the light was really beautiful.  I exagerated the movement of the water.   Karen Zullo Sherr

Cummings Skyway

We will return to Cummings Skyway on Monday, May 7.  Meet us at the turnout just after the exit fro E80 at Cummings Skyway.  We will caravan to the painting spot.

Cancelled: Kenyon Ave and Grizzly Peak, Kensington

We will meet again next week one hour later than the usual time. It seems that many people are busy at this time of the year, but we'll go to this same spot next Saturday, May 12.
This fire trail has views of the Tilden Park ridge. The should be plenty of shade. Bring a cart or a backpack, and your own water.


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Lake Anza, Berkeley

Lake Anza, Oil on canvas, 18 x 24"

I took my mom to Lake Anza. Ever since my last visit I have wanted to return to work in oil, so that's what I did. My mom sat down to read while I tried to capture this spot with a palette knife. I revised a bit in the studio. I still want to return and do another one.

Lake Anza

We will return to Lake Anza on Monday, April 30. It will be good to see what spring looks like at the lake

Lake Anza, Tilden Park This shady romantic lake features hundreds of "nooks" for curious painters to discover. The walk to the lake's edge involves stairs, paved and dirt paths and takes about three minutes. The shaded painting spots are comfortable,and there are bathrooms and drinking water close by.. It is hard to give really good directions because there are many entrances to Tilden park. We usually go in at Spruce street. The best thing you can do is go to Google directions.  Just type in Lake Anza, Tilden Park to get directions from your house. Once you are in the park, there are a lot of signs that will help you find the lake. If the parking lot closest to the lake is closed, you may have to park in the lower lot. There is a set of stairs up to the other lot and then a paved flat path to the lake. There is also a shortcut from the parking lot to the paved path to the lake.

Selby

We are on for this Saturday. We will meet at the Vista Point just past the Dead Fish restaurant by the Carquinez bridge. Here is a link to the Dead Fish: http://g.co/maps/wrgv9
Just get there, then continue on San Pablo Avenue in the West direction (don't go to Crockett!). You will see the Vista Point to your right almost immediately. There is ample parking and several great spots with a view of the bay and Mare Island.

Emeryville Marina

We will return on Monday, April 23 to the Emeryville Marina hoping for better weather.  There are lots of views including Oakland, San Francisco, the boats and views back to the Berkeley Hills but the wind last week made it hard to find  a good spot to paint. So we try again.

From 80 west take the Powell/ Emeryville exit  and turn left on the Frontage road and right on Powell.  Follow Powell to the marina area.  As I recall there are a lot of parking lots. Lets park at the one near the Chinese restuarant.  After we are all there we can go explore and decide where at the marina we will paint.  

Cummins Skyway An Hour Later

This Saturday we will meet at the turnoff leading to Cummins Skyway an hour later. We'll caravan to the side overlooking the bay. Because we do not announce our gathering time on this public blog, please check your messages in our Google group, where everything is explained. Please RSVP if you are thinking of coming.

Emeryville Marina

On Monday, April 16 we return to the Emeryville Marina.

From 80 west take the Powell/ Emeryville exit  and turn left on the Frontage road and right on Powell.  Follow Powell to the marina area.  As I recall there are a lot of parking lots. Lets park at the one near the Chinese restuarant.  After we are all there we can go explore and decide where at the marina we will paint.  

Cummins Skyway Canyon

Cummins Skyway Canyon, 30 x 40" acrylic on canvas

Betsy took me to the other side of the road, where the cows usually are (they were not there that Saturday). I saw a rabbit on the fire road where we set up. I wasn't sure if I would be able to return for a few weeks, and painted as fast as I could so I could finish this humongous canvas. I also used loads of medium so I could control the opacity of the color. It was a very hazy day, and the sky I originally made did not have any depth to it, so I changed it. The backlit hills are okay. I am still revising it in my studio, and will post an update when I'm done.

Tilden Park Botanical Garden

There was so much good work done at the garden last week that we will try another garden on Monday April 9.  This time we will go to the Tilden Park Botanical Garden. I haven't been there in many years. We went to UC Botanical last year but there is a $10 entry fee. Tilden is free and so we should give it a try.  I checked their website to see what is blooming and it looks like fun.

The Regional Parks Botanical  Garden is located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive within Tilden Regional Park in the hills above Berkeley, California.
Check the website for a map.
http://www.nativeplants.org/directions.html

Cummins Skyway

This Saturday we will meet at the Cummins Skyway turnout off highway 80. We will then caravan to one of the painting spots. The Saturday group does not get to go often to Cummins, so this should be a very fun trip. No water or bathrooms. Bring a cell phone and sun protection, and be prepared for a breeze.

Blake Garden Redwood Grove

Blake garden Redwood Grove, 24 x 18," Acrylic on canvas

I missed Ling and the gang, because I arrived at 11:30 AM. I didn't feel inspired by the reflecting pool or anything else. For some reason, i didn't feel very talkative and retreated into the northern part of the garden. At the bottom, I saw a pool formed by creek water and then I saw a bench. It felt like the place was beckoning me, so I stayed. Onlookers had to leave the path to come see what I was doing, so I felt safe. I was going for the feeling of the place. I love this painting.

Painting at Blake Garden

Blake Gardens  watercolor  22 by 30

Blake Gardens has been good for our Monday group.  Ling Liao sent us this jpeg of a watercolor he did there on Monday afternoon.

Blake Garden

Ling Liao will be the coordinator for this session, Monday, April 2 at Blake Garden.  Meet him in the parking lot. Monday is supposed to be clear and warm.

The address is 70 Rincon Rd.  If you are coming from El Sobrante, Richmond or El Cerrito, turn right from the Arlington at Rincon Rd.  From Berkeley it is a left from the Arlington. Watch carefully for the inconspicuous entrance  and sign on Rincon Rd.

Between the Storms

Between the Storms  acrylic on linen  16 by 20

Last Monday we went to the Emeryville Marina on a cloudy day between storms. It was pretty grey and cold but I settled into a spot of sun and the trees acted as a wind block and painted for a few hours untill the wind picked up pretty hard. It was good to be outside.


Karen

Wildcat From Kensington and Terrace

Wildcat From Kensington and Terrace, oil on canvas, 18 x 24"

We set up shop on this trailhead, on a very cold day just before the string of storms hit us. You could hear the cows moo down below. The neighbors came out to see what we were doing, something I like. Eventually it became too cold to continue and we left. I think overcast days pose their own color and value challenges, and they can yield very worthwhile nature studies.

Emeryville Marina

We will meet at the Emeryville Marina on Monday, March 26 if the weather cooperates.

From 80 west take the Powell/ Emeryville exit  and turn left on the Frontage road and right on Powell.  Follow Powell to the marina area.  As I recall there are a lot of parking lots. Lets park at the one near the Chinese restuarant.  After we are all there we can go explore and decide where at the marina we will paint.  

Cancelled: Cummins Skyway

We will NOT meet today at the Cummins Skyway turnout off highway 80, just before the Crockett exit if you are going north. It is rainy and too wet and slippery. We'll try again in two weeks. Until then, keep on painting!

Blake Garden

Blake Gardens- Challenge #4
2 color/complementary-watercolor winsor yellow and winsor purple

Sharon Hind-Smith sent this jpeg of her painting done at Blake Gardens recently.  It is a featured painting on the website of  Plein Air Artists.  She has been working on a series of challenges they have posted on their website.

Overlooking Carquinez Strait

Blue Tower    acrylic on canvas

Painting at Cummings Skyway has been interesting.  Views at both the sites we have gone to are good.  On one side you see the rolling hills that bring to mind so many California landscape paintings. the other side at the large turnout you can see the Carquinez Bridge and hills also. You are right at one of the entrances to the regional park. But it is not a well maintained entrance and you go down an overgrown path to get there.  There is also a short tunnel that takes you to wonderful hill views with grazing cows.  But there is something that feels a little isolated. I don't think it is a good place to go alone.

Karen

Kensington and Terrace

We will meet on the trailhead located at the intersection between Terrace Dr and Kensington Avenue. There are beautiful pastoral views of the Wildcat Creek Regional park on that location, but there is not that much parking, so try to arrive early. No bathrooms or water. We'll depart promptly ten minutes after the meeting time. Here is a link to the Google Map:
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Blake Garden

What a good idea it was to go to Blake Gardens this week.  Every year when the fruit trees start to bloom I want to find a place to paint them.  The cherry and plum are blooming on Thousand Oaks.  Carol took a photo of some flowering trees at Blake Gardens.   We will meet again there next Monday, March 12.


The address is 70 Rincon Rd. We will meetin in the parking lot.  If you are coming from El Sobrante, Richmond or El Cerrito, turn right from the Arlington at Rincon Rd.  From Berkeley it is a left from the Arlington. Watch carefully for the inconspicuous entrance  and sign on Rincon Rd.

Albany Hill From Potrero (Revised)

This one took two visits and considerable revision in my studio. The weather was very different on the first visit and I had easel issues. The location is fantastic. I would return there an day.

Cummings Skyway

We will meet Monday, Feb 27 at the turnout after the Cumming Skyway exit on 80.  If the weather is bad or windy I will post another location by noon on Monday. We will probably go to Lake Anza it is windy because there is protection there.

Ling Painting

Karen, Ling and Carol

Last Monday the weather looked very threatening but we went to the Skyway anyway and it was calm and the sun came out.  Sharon Hind-Smith
 took some photos of us.

Remind me never to wear this outfit again

Potrero Ave, El Cerrito

The trail going uphill westward of Potrero Ave has amazing views of Albany Hill and the bay. Turn right on San Pablo Ave and go up Potrero, or get on North Arlington and turn right on Potrero to go downhill.  Park near 7740 Potrero Ave, El Cerrito. That location is the point nearest to the trailhead leading into the northernmost portion of the Hillside Natural Area. 

Park on the street and wait for the others. We will walk to the trailhead ten minutes after the time we meet. Dress warmly, bring water and your cell phone, and either a backpack or a cart that can handle a dirt trail. We will not walk very much. Here's a map: 
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Cummings Skyway

We will try again to go to Cummings Skyway for this Monday, Feb 20.  The weather report said it might rain again (always on Monday) in the mid day.  So look at your email or on the blog to make sure. Otherwise we will meet at the turnout after the exit from E80.

Cummings Skyway session cancelled because of weather

We will try again on Monday,  Feb 20- we will try to go back to Cummings Skyway. But this time we are going to a site overlooking the strait.  Rain is in the forecast so check the blog to see if it has been cancelled.

We will meet at the exit from 80 at Cummings Skyway.  There is a turnout just after the exit where you can wait for the others.

Near Rydin and Central Ave

Hoffmann Marsh, Near Central Ave, Oil on canvas 18 x 24"

I warn that this is not a good photograph of the painting. I used the paint knife the whole time. The palette was cadmium red, cadmium yellow, lemon yellow, pthalo blue, titanium white and ultramarine blue.

Potrero Ave, El Cerrito

We'll continue our exploration of the El Cerrito hills. The area offers a combination of urban and green views. Turn right on San Pablo Ave and go up Potrero, or get on North Arlington and turn right on Potrero to go downhill.  Park near 7740 Potrero Ave, El Cerrito. That location is the point nearest to the trailhead leading into the northernmost portion of the Hillside Natural Area. We have not painted there yet.

Park on the street and wait for the others. We will walk to the trailhead ten minutes after the time we meet. Dress warmly, bring water and your cell phone, and either a backpack or a cart that can handle a dirt trail. We will not walk very much. Here's a map:
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Albany Hill From Hoffmann Marsh

Albany Hill from Hoffmann Marsh, 18 x 24" Oil on masonite

I went to the marsh twice, then revised in the studio. I opted to change the canal's shape slightly because of composition. Masonite is my favorite painting surface.

Cancelled: Cummings Skyway

Session cancelled on Monday, Feb 6 because of wind.  We will try again next week.

We will meet at the Cummings Skyway exit off 80. There is a turnout right after the exit where we gather.  We will paint at the first large turnout that gives a view of the strait.  Hopefully it will not rain but check the blog in the morning for any updates.

Lake Anza

We will meet at Lake Anza on Monday, Jan 30.  There are directions on the  locations page of the blog.

Rydin and Central

This Saturday, January 28, we will meet at a slightly different spot on Rydin Rd. There will be parking, because we will be meeting at the corner of Rydin and Central, by the trailhead. Those who like the marsh will still get close-up views of Hoffman marsh if they stay on that side, and those interested in Albany will cross Central with me and set up shop on the green hill across the street. We will have views of the freeway, Albany hill, and the bay from that side. Please reply if you're interested, and don't forget to dress warmly with a hat, a scarf, and gloves if you tend to get cold. We may not need them, but just in case. Here's a map:
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Cancelled: Hoffman Marsh

There is too much chance of rain to go out today. Because of the storm we had last night, most paths are too wet and muddy, even if it dos not rain. We will try again on Saturday, January 27.

Cummings Skyway

Carol Sutton will be the coordinator this Monday, Jan 16.  Meet her at the turnout after exiting 80 at Cummings Skyway.  Our painting spot is 2.8 miles from the exit.

New Places: Four Painters' California

Cummings Skyway

We will return to Cummings Skyway on Monday, Jan 9 if the weather cooperates.

From 80 east take the Cummings Skyway exit and go right and stop at the turnout to meet the other painters. We will caravan to the spot.  Carol Sutton checked her odometer and found our spot  is 2.8 miles from the Cummings Skyway exit from 80. Please rsvp so we how many people to wait for.  And check your email or the blog in the morning to see if we have to cancel because of weather conditions.

Point Isabel

This Saturday, January 7 we'll meet on the bike path behind the Point Isabel bathrooms. We'll walk a few yards on a paved path and paint Hoffman marsh, the strip of marsh in between Rydin Ave and the 580 freeway. There are several spots with a close-up view of the marsh canals. Those willing to walk a bit farther on the paved path might want to paint the bay from the northern end of Point Izzie, which a habitat area and off limits to off leash dogs. There are bathrooms at Point Izzie, and running water. A cart with small wheels will do just fine here so no need for a backpack or hiking boots, but bring your cell phone and warm clothes. If the Point Izzie lot is full, park along Rydin. Here is a map:
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Cancelled: Cummings Skyway

We are cancelling todays session and will try again next week

Happy New Year.  We will return to Cummings Skyway if the weather cooperates. Last week we were fogged out and had to leave early.  

From 80 east take the Cummings Skyway exit and go right and stop at the turnout  to wait for the other painters. We will caravan to the spot.   The spot is 2.8 miles from the Cummings Skyway freeway exit.